This will be a first for such a contest in Carson Valley. Carson Valley residents will get the first crack at tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

Mark Estee has been featured on the Food Network, and has been the private chef of celebrities from Sir Paul McCartney to Britney Spears. National publications have praised his dishes and he has made several guest chef appearances at world-renowned restaurants.

Cost for the event is $60 per ticket and includes a bruschetta appetizer, Buona Sera salad with fennel and apples, osso buco, dessert and a glass of wine. The cost also includes tax and tip.

Judges for the event include RGJ Food and Drink editor Johnathan Wright, and Battle Born Wine owner Troy Phillips.

Tickets are available at Buona Sera, 1799 Ironwood Drive. For more information, 783-3211.